Born in Jordan in 1946, he trained for medicine in Egypt and specialized in neurosurgery in the UK where he obtained the fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons in 1974. Returning to Jordan in 1977 he worked as assistant professor at the University of Jordan. Became professor in 1987 and later rose to become in succession: Dean of research, vice president for administration and in 1998 President of the University of Jordan. He was appointed minister of health and minister of education and of higher education in 5 Jordanian Governments. He also was appointed a Senator in the Jordanian Parliament. While minster of health he established the Jordanian Food and Drug Administration. While president of university he established the schools of IT, Rehabilitation and Design and Art. He published 30 scientific papers, and published eight books and contributed 3 chapters. He holds the Jordan Star decoration of the first order and is an Eisenhower Fellow.